Los Angeles Lakers rookie guard Bronny James remains on G League assignment as the organization continues to work on his game. With the G League Winter Showcase just around the corner, this means the No. 55 pick will get to play in the annual event.
Lakers’ LeBron James Opens Up About Bronny James’s G League Games
In a brief statement given to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Dave McMenamin, Lakers gigastar LeBron James spoke on his son’s developmental journey.
“Just keep stacking the days, keep putting in the work,” James says. “The work always prevails at the end of the day. It’s just great to see him getting back into the flow, getting back to his game, getting back to him just playing free and going out and just playing the game that he loves and knows how to play. I loved his aggressiveness.”
The younger James has caught his stride in his last three G League outings, averaging 20.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game on 43.1 percent shooting from the field. He’s still trying to find his range, as he’s converted just 26.3 percent of his threes in that span. However, he’s clearly turned a corner with his comfort and confidence.
With that being said, it’s easier to believe in one’s ability when shots are starting to fall. When the work that’s been put in behind the scenes manifests itself in games that count towards a win-loss record, not just practice, a player can start to see a brighter future. James has seen that chink of light and nor he’s running towards it. He’s dunking through it.
As his father says, he’s been aggressive.
Nepotism Or Not…
Frankly, if there was a nondescript rookie selected 55th overall, he wouldn’t be given this much attention. Yet, if that player had a blistering stretch that included a 30-point performance, it would still be a head-turner. Taking that tact when assessing James’s recent games may be best, especially for those who believe he’s the beneficiary of nepotism.
When considering that James is now 18 months removed from a near death experience, it adds a sentimental element to his evaluation. However, his cardiac arrest isn’t just a reason to root for his success. It could be at the root of why he hadn’t looked like the player who turned heads just before his commitment to USC.
Not Just Circadian Rhythm
When he was forced to step away from basketball, his on-court rhythm was effected, not just his circadian rhythm. This led to rust and that led to a slow start. His slow start all but forced former USC head coach Andy Enfield to give him a simplified role. By the time his freshman season ended, James had displayed flashes but not consistency.
So, after deciding to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft, James was thought of as a 3-and-D prospect. He might have even started to believe that’s what his best role himself based on his shot-selection. However, James’s recent G League performances coincide with him being on the ball more. When operating as an attacking guard, his first step and slithery shot-creation stand out as tools he can build around.
Had he been relegated to a primarily off-ball role, he might not have discovered that this soon.
Better Than 55th?
James still has plenty to work on, particularly offensively. Regardless, his newfound aggressiveness and craftiness has altered his career trajectory. Whether he can break into the Lakers’ rotation before the season remains to be seen. However, he’s starting to look like a player who could legitimately help Los Angeles.
If so, some of the next storylines about James could be about how he’s outplayed his draft position.
